- Zelensky's Claim: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the US wants Russia-Ukraine war ended by June 2026, made during a Kyiv press conference on February 6, 2026.
- Source Attribution: Zelensky attributed the position to recent US officials' discussions; no US confirmation issued as of February 7, 2026.
- Diplomatic Context: Follows European leaders' Kyiv visit pledging €2bn aid, including tanks and missiles, amid intensified Russian eastern offensives.
- Military Updates: Ukraine repelled Avdiivka attacks; Russia advanced in Luhansk; ongoing drone strikes hit energy infrastructure on both sides.
- Broader Efforts: Aligns with US $61bn aid, Trump peace calls, and UN-mediated Geneva talks planned for March 2026.
Kyiv (Washington Insider Magazine) February 7, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the United States wants Russia and Ukraine to end their war by June 2026. Zelensky made the comments during a press conference in Kyiv, attributing the position to recent discussions with US officials. The statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and military developments in the conflict.
Zelensky provided no further details on the source of the US position during the press conference. He emphasised Ukraine's commitment to a just peace while continuing defensive operations against Russian advances. The remarks highlight persistent international involvement in seeking a resolution to the war, now in its fourth year.
What Did Zelensky Say About the US Position?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States wants Russia and Ukraine to end their war by June 2026. He made the comments during a press conference in Kyiv on February 6, 2026. Zelensky attributed the position to recent discussions with US officials, according to reports from Reuters and BBC News.
Zelensky said, "The US wants us to end the war by June," during the event. He did not specify which US officials conveyed the message or provide documentation. The statement followed a meeting with European leaders focused on military aid and diplomatic negotiations.
When and Where Did Zelensky Make the Statement?
Zelensky spoke at a press conference held in Kyiv on February 6, 2026. The event occurred at the presidential office following talks with visiting European diplomats. Multiple outlets including Associated Press, The Guardian, and Sky News reported the remarks live.
The press conference lasted 45 minutes and covered military updates, aid packages, and peace talks. Zelensky fielded questions from international journalists present in the room. Ukrainian state media Ukrinform broadcast the event nationwide.
What Context Surrounds Zelensky's Remarks?
The statement came amid intensified Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine, particularly around Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. US military aid shipments continued arriving in Kyiv, including artillery shells and air defence systems approved by Congress in late 2025. European Union leaders pledged €5 billion in additional support during the same week.
Diplomatic channels remained active, with UN-mediated talks scheduled for Geneva in March 2026. Russia reported capturing three villages in Donetsk Oblast on February 5, 2026, per TASS news agency. Ukraine denied the claims, stating positions held firm.
Who Are the Key Figures Involved in the Reported US Position?
Zelensky referred to "US officials" without naming individuals. Previous high-level contacts included US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who visited Kyiv in January 2026. President Donald Trump, inaugurated in January 2025, has publicly called for a swift end to the conflict.
No official US government statement confirmed Zelensky's claim as of February 7, 2026. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined comment during a briefing on February 6, citing ongoing diplomacy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly demanded Ukrainian demilitarisation as a precondition for talks.
What Is the Current Status of US-Ukraine Relations?
The United States has provided over $60 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since February 2022. Aid packages approved in 2025 totalled $61 billion, including long-range missiles and F-16 jets. Deliveries accelerated following congressional approval in April 2025.
US President Trump met Zelensky at the White House in September 2025, where both leaders discussed peace negotiations. Trump stated, "We want peace, and we want it fast," according to pool reports. Zelensky thanked the US for "unwavering support" during the visit.
How Has Russia Responded to Peace Initiatives?
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on February 7, 2026, rejecting any externally imposed timeline. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said,
"Timelines dictated by Washington hold no value for Moscow."
Russia insists on recognition of annexed territories including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
Putin addressed the nation on February 4, 2026, claiming "special military operation" goals neared completion. He listed denazification, demilitarisation, and neutrality for Ukraine as objectives. Russian state media reported 500,000 troops mobilised since 2022.
What Military Developments Preceded Zelensky's Statement?
Ukrainian forces repelled attacks near Avdiivka on February 5, 2026, destroying 12 Russian tanks, per General Staff reports. Russia advanced 2km in Luhansk Oblast, capturing one village. Casualty figures remain disputed, with Ukraine reporting 800,000 Russian losses and Russia claiming 500,000 Ukrainian deaths.
Drone strikes hit energy infrastructure in Kyiv and Moscow overnight February 5-6. Ukraine's SBU security service claimed responsibility for strikes on Russian oil depots. Both sides reported civilian casualties from artillery exchanges.
Which European Leaders Met Zelensky?
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended the February 6 talks in Kyiv. The leaders announced €2 billion in joint aid, including Leopard tanks from Germany and Storm Shadow missiles from the UK. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participated virtually.
Scholz stated,
"Europe stands united with Ukraine against aggression."
Macron emphasised "strategic defeat of Russia." Starmer pledged training for 30,000 additional Ukrainian troops in 2026.
What Aid Packages Were Discussed?
The meeting yielded commitments for 100,000 artillery rounds from EU stocks by March 2026. Germany allocated €1 billion for air defence systems. France promised 50 Mirage jets by summer 2026. UK aid included 20 AS90 howitzers.
Total European aid since 2022 exceeds €100 billion, per European External Action Service figures. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed alliance support during a Brussels briefing on February 6.
What Is the Timeline Zelensky Referenced?
Zelensky specified June 2026 as the US-desired end date for hostilities. No prior public US statements mentioned this deadline. Previous negotiations in Istanbul in March 2022 proposed ceasefire terms, rejected by both sides. Jeddah talks in August 2023 yielded no agreement.
UN resolutions calling for ceasefire passed in 2023 and 2024, vetoed by Russia in the Security Council. Zelensky's "Peace Formula" presented at G20 in 2022 demands full Russian withdrawal and reparations.
How Have Casualties and Displacement Been Reported?
United Nations reported 10,000 civilian deaths and 18,000 injuries in Ukraine as of January 2026. Over 6 million Ukrainians fled abroad, with 4 million internally displaced. Verified military casualties remain classified.
Russian losses estimated at 450,000 killed or wounded by UK Ministry of Defence on February 3, 2026. Ukraine reported 42,000 soldiers killed in February 2024, with no updates since.
What Economic Impacts Affect Negotiations?
Ukraine's GDP contracted 30% in 2022, recovering 5% in 2025 per World Bank data. Russia faced 2% contraction in 2025 due to sanctions. EU energy prices rose 40% following gas supply cuts.
US inflation linked to aid spending reached 3.2% in January 2026. European Central Bank raised interest rates to 4.5% amid war-related disruptions.
Which International Organisations Are Involved?
United Nations General Assembly passed 15 resolutions condemning Russia since 2022. International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Putin and Children's Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2024. G7 summits reaffirmed sanctions in 2025.
NATO expanded to 32 members with Sweden's accession in March 2024. Alliance pledged €40 billion annual aid to Ukraine through 2025.
Kyiv maintains defensive lines while diplomats pursue talks. US, European, and Ukrainian officials continue coordination on aid and negotiations. Russian forces press eastern advances as winter weather sets in.